The tornado struck between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m., moving across the towns of Aplinton, New Hartford, Waterloo and Dunkerton then bearing down on Parkersburg which suffered the brunt of the storm.

Most of Parkersburg has some damage but the southern half of town was devastated by the tornado. Homes, banks, the high school and restaurants were destroyed.

Final assessment of the tornado rated it a low EF-5, with estimated wind speeds up to 205 mph.

On May 28, 2008 it was announced that all of the town's records were lost in the storm. Computer backups may be salvageable, but official's first priority, it was said, is organizing the massive clean-up and reconstruction effort.

1. Death toll expected to rise
2. Second worst tornado on record
3. Dozens of injuries reported
4. Same tornado killed at least 2 people in surrounding area
5. Marble-sized hail reported

The Red Cross is asking for donations of blood and money to help with the disaster. Contact the Red Cross by calling 319-234-6831 or going online to www.hawkeyechapter.org.

Officials also warned residents about scammers who are pretending to be "FEMA-approved" to clean up debris for a price. They then ask for a down payment, and never show up to do the job. FEMA indicated that there is no such system set up, and told anyone who encountered this to call the local authorities.